Judy Minley

Judy Minley, 26, and her boyfriend, James Dwight Robinson, 27, were arrested Friday on suspicion of abusing her 4-year-old son. Police said they were called to the couple's home in the 5400 block of East Williams Blvd. about 11 a.m. Thursday after a near-drowning was reported. They said the boy was covered in bruises and showed no sign of being in the water.

A Pima County jury convicted a Tucson woman last week of murder and child abuse in the 2013 death of her 4-year-old son, officials said.

On March 16, Judy Minley was convicted of two counts of child abuse resulting in death and one count of first-degree murder, according to a Facebook post by the Pima County Attorney's Office.

In March 2013, Minley was living with her son, Jaedyn, and boyfriend, James Robinson, who was previously tried separately and convicted of the same crimes, the post said.

Robinson was sentenced to natural life in prison followed by two consecutive 17 year terms.

Minley told police that Jaedyn was toilet trained but would have accidents, so she limited his water intake. One day, after catching him sneaking water from the bathroom faucet, Minley repeatedly struck him with a leather sandal, eventually having Robinson take over, the post said.

"Robinson alternated his punishments, from a "workout", where he made the child hold bottles of detergent at his sides, to hitting him with the sandal," the post said.

Robinson hit Jaedyn so much that the sandal broke in half, after which Minley taped it back together so the beating could continue.

After the couple became tired, they put Jaedyn to bed and he never woke up. Minley and Robinson called 911 the next morning and the child was taken to the hospital, but died two days later after being on life support, the post said.

The autopsy revealed extensive bruising to the Jaedyn's body and the cause of death was found to be blunt force trauma to the body.

Minley is scheduled for sentencing on May 1 in Pima County Superior Court Judge Christopher Browning's courtroom.


Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.

Contact reporter Caitlin Schmidt at cschmidt@tucson.com or 573-4191